Originally done for Radio 103.9 and can be found on their website for a limited time. Here is the screenshot of what I wrote for the site:
Here is the text continued:
Jeff Miller said, “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” There are many ways to show our gratitude to veterans whether big or small.
Start showing your gratitude today with these eleven small and creative steps:
- 1. Starting your morning with Starbucks coffee: http://sbux.co/1xWfowX
- Everyone love coffee. Starbucks wants to employ over 10,000 Veterans to thank them for the service that they have done over the years. Starbucks is not looking to hire them as only cashiers but as managers because of the skills they have acquired over the years. So the next time you are in the mood for some coffee, stop by your local Starbucks and say hello to one of the Veterans!
- 2. Put that old phone to great use: http://bit.ly/1Wx5vR3
- For years Cell Phones for Soldiers has been providing soldiers with the chance to communicate with people around the world. Instead of keeping an old phone that serves no use to you, help a Veteran out by allowing them to connect with loved ones.
- 3. Saying “Thank You”: http://cnn.it/1kbFpaP
- We all know how to recognize a Veteran whether it’s in their camouflage outfit or in their button down uniform. We should always thank them for their services. If our President can always make sure he thanks a veteran before entering and leaving a place, we can all do the same.
- 4. Cut Coupons/ Help with Holiday care package: http://bit.ly/1LQsPXc
– Everyone loves a good deal! Some Veterans are not in the position to help themselves in the way that they need to be taken care of. By simply donating things like: body wash, canned foods, or any little thing that might make a person smile would be appreciated.
- 5. Get your child involved: http://mil-com.me/1LdkdLr
- No matter how big or small, have your child draw a picture of Veterans. In addition to that, ask them to write what this day means to them and how it affects the people around them. It is important to spread knowledge of what Veterans have done for us and it starts with the children of the future.
- 6. Get to know the Veterans in your neighborhood: http://mil-com.me/1LdkdLr
- In 2014, there was a reported 892,000 veterans living in New York alone. By getting to know the Veterans in your neighborhood, you can lend a helping hand to someone with a disability or someone who lost a spouse.
- 7. Donating your miles and points: http://bit.ly/1MdhWNe
- Veterans have family members who live around the world too! By donating your miles and points, Veterans would be able to see their loved one for either a reduced price or free(depending on points.)
- 8. Thanksgiving dinner: http://bit.ly/1SpzIBa
- November means Veterans and Thanksgiving! Invite a veteran to your thanksgiving dinner to repay back your appreciation for all that the hard work they have done for our country.
- 9. Visiting retirement homes: http://1.usa.gov/1NQvzoj
- Did you know that forty percent of Veterans are 65 or older? By visiting your local retirement homes and asking to spend time with a veteran you can turn their day around!
- 10. Importance of social media: http://bit.ly/1kbDByv
- Use your social media to thank the veterans for all the hard work they do. Whether it is a picture of you with a Veteran or writing a 140 character tweet saying thank you, your efforts won’t go unnoticed.
- 11. Lastly, The American Flag: http://bit.ly/1NQvSQ2
- By simply hanging the American flag out your window or displaying it through the loop of your handbag, it shows your appreciation for the country. By showing your appreciation for the country you are also saying thank you to the Veterans who go out of their way to help protect our country.
- 12. P.S. An extra step for good luck- Veteran Tickets! http://bit.ly/1Opldim
Veteran Tickets Foundation has provided 1,679,438 to our Military, Veterans and their families. Just like how we enjoy seeing events, veterans enjoy it as well because it is a chance for them to have fun and release stress. Click on the link to donate and make a veteran’s wish come true by allowing them to see their dream event.